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Most 10-50 person architecture firms get the best results from a hybrid setup: Revit models in Autodesk Construction Cloud (or on a fast local file server if everyone works in one office), and everyday documents in SharePoint. The one thing to avoid is running Revit central models from SharePoint, OneDrive or Dropbox. Autodesk doesn't support it, and it can lead to corrupted models. Here's how the three options compare.

When Each Option Fits

  • Autodesk Construction Cloud fits firms with remote or hybrid staff, multiple offices, or consultants who need to work in the same model.
  • A local file server fits firms where everyone works in one office on a fast wired network, with a reliable backup plan. It's often the fastest option for large models.
  • SharePoint fits contracts, proposals, specs, marketing and admin files. It's not for Revit central models.

The Hybrid Setup Most Firms Use

  1. Revit and BIM models: Autodesk Construction Cloud for firms with remote staff, or a local server for single-office firms
  2. CAD, PDFs and Bluebeam markups: the same location as the models, so project teams have one place to look
  3. Contracts, proposals and admin: SharePoint, with permissions by department
  4. Archived projects: separate, lower-cost storage with immutable backups
  5. Backup for all of it: a third-party backup. Neither Autodesk nor Microsoft is a complete backup on its own. Read Does OneDrive or SharePoint actually back up our project drawings?

4 Questions to Decide

  1. How many staff work remotely at least one day a week? More than a few points toward Autodesk Construction Cloud.
  2. Do consultants need to work in your models? If yes, cloud worksharing is much simpler.
  3. How old is your server? If it's over 5 years old, compare a replacement with moving to the cloud.
  4. How fast is your internet? Cloud worksharing needs reliable business-grade internet, ideally with a backup connection.

Why Katy Architecture Firms Choose Alexaur

We've supported architecture, engineering, and construction firms across Katy, TX and Greater West Houston since 2001, and we're still family-owned. The person who answers your call knows why the trailer machine matters.

  • 98% of support tickets resolved on the first call
  • Average client tenure of more than 10 years
  • 100+ combined years of cybersecurity experience on staff
  • Clients who have implemented our full security and business continuity recommendations have not reported a business-disrupting security incident.
  • Fluent in the software you actually run: AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, SolidWorks, Procore, Navisworks, ProjectWise, and OnScreen Takeoff.
  • Dell & Lenovo Partner
  • Managed Protection Security Suite Associate Accreditation
  • MSP Pro
  • Keeper Sales Professional
  • Network+ Certified
  • SonicWall Certified

Not sure which setup fits your firm? Book a free Discovery Call.